OUR HISTORY
Freckleton Sports and Social Club has been part of village life for decades — a place where friends meet, memories are made and good times are shared. But how did it all begin? Well, it’s quite a story...
THE VILLAGE BEFORE THE CLUB
Before Freckleton Sports and Social Club came along, the site on Preston Old Road already had quite a history of its own.
It is believed that the site was once home to Freckleton’s first flax factory, dating back to the late 18th or early 19th century. It later became Wignall’s Tanyard, known locally as the “Skin Yard”.
When the tannery eventually closed, the building was used as an egg packing station, before the site was eventually chosen as the home for a new social club.
And that’s where our story really begins...
THE IDEA – 1962
The year was 1962.
After a night out at the Layton Institute in Blackpool, two Freckleton men, Fred Heaton and Jim Snape, were enjoying a bit of supper.
Fred, who was treasurer at the Layton Institute, turned to Jim and asked:
“What do you think about opening a club in Freckleton?”
Jim thought it was a great idea — a place where local people could meet, socialise and enjoy themselves without having to travel out of the village.
And with that simple conversation, the idea for Freckleton Sports and Social Club was born.
Little did they know just how much work was ahead of them!
IT WASN’T ALL PLAIN SAILING!
Getting the club off the ground certainly wasn’t easy.
There were years of objections, including opposition from parish councillors and some local residents who weren’t particularly
keen on having another drinking establishment in the village.
But Fred and Jim weren’t easily put off.
They believed the village needed a place where people could meet, socialise and
enjoy themselves — and they were determined to make it happen.
Of course, there was another rather important question...
How were they going to pay for it?
BUY A BRICK
To help raise the money, Fred and Jim came up with a brilliant idea.
Local people could “buy a brick” towards the building of the new club for just ten shillings — around 50p in today’s money.
It wasn’t a huge amount individually, but lots of local people got behind the idea. Many of those who supported the scheme went on to become founding members of the club.
The community was literally helping to build the club from the ground up!
They also managed to secure sponsorship from William Younger Brewery, although there was one condition — the club needed to reach at least 100 members.
Thankfully, the support was there.
THE ORIGINAL PLAN
The plans for the new club were certainly ambitious.
The original proposal was for the building to be constructed on stilts, with the car park underneath.
It sounded like a great idea, but unfortunately it turned out to be far too expensive.
The plans were changed and, in the end, the club was built at a total cost of around £40,000 — a considerable amount of money at the time.
But there was still one major hurdle to overcome...
THE CASTING VOTE
Despite all the hard work, the objections continued right up to the final council meeting.
And when the crucial vote finally took place, everything came down to the casting vote of the chairman, George Bamber Snr.
George voted in favour of the club being built.
After years of objections, planning, fundraising and determination, Fred and Jim finally had the go-ahead.
The dream was becoming a reality.
OPENING DAY – 4TH OCTOBER 1967
After five years of hard work and determination, the big day finally arrived.
On Thursday, 4th October 1967, Freckleton Sports and Social Club was officially opened by George Bamber Snr — the very man whose casting vote had helped make the project possible.
What had started with two friends chatting over supper in Blackpool had become a brand-new social club at the heart of Freckleton.
And the rest, as they say, is history!
FROM 1967 TO TODAY
Over the years, the club has changed and evolved, but the basic idea behind it has stayed exactly the same.
It remains a place where local people can meet, socialise, have a laugh and enjoy themselves.
Today, there’s something for everyone, including live entertainment every Saturday night, two match-standard snooker tables, pool, darts and dominoes.
The lounge provides a relaxed and welcoming space to catch up with friends, while the club continues to host entertainment, community events and celebrations throughout the year.
From a simple idea shared over supper in 1962, the club has grown into an important part of village life.
A FAMILY LEGACY
And there’s a lovely connection between the club’s past and present.
The current chairman, Mr Stephen Snape, is the grandson of Fred Heaton and son of Jim Snape — the two men
whose conversation back in 1962 started the whole thing.
So, more than 60 years later, the family connection is still very much part of the club’s story.
It’s a wonderful reminder that
although the building, activities and people may change over the years, the community spirit at the heart of Freckleton Club remains the same.
HERE’S TO THE FUTURE!
From “What do you think about opening a club in Freckleton?” to more than six decades of friendships, celebrations, entertainment and memories — it’s been quite a journey.
And
there’s plenty more to come.
Here’s to the next 60 years of friendship, community, laughter and great memories at
Freckleton Sports and Social Club!
